Brereton Lion continued their winless run in the Cannock Chase Premier League with a below par performance against league leaders Magic Lantern.
Once again, in what is becoming a recurring theme, the squad was hit hard by the very late withdrawal from the squad by Wright, Dutton and Robertson. Powerhouse Dunn was absent through work and Jimmy Matyus missed the match as he was on holiday. Cowlishaw, Houston, Stockhall,Franklin, Salt and Matty Hackett were other absentees, resulting in the side being short on subs- AGAIN! Scotty Kirkbride warming the bench for the second match in the row.
Magic Lantern, refreshed with new players by a merger in the summer with The Dog, have started the season strong, winning all their matches. Their ground is never a nice place to play, with an intimidating bunch of players and yobs on the line making it a hostile arena for visting sides and the match officialls. Lantern started the strongest, with direct early balls aimed at their angelic front two, Knocker and Mucker. Brave defending and clever organisation from Southwell, Cushen, Hackett (Making his Lion debut) and Cockayne kept the livley duo relatively quiet. Dan Cushen was overworked in the Lion nets, but the big man standed strong. Lion had Simpson, captain for the day, young Jake Daley and veteran Paul Lezniak in the midfield. Credit to Wezzy for signing on and helping out the Lion through this current injury crisis. The attack was made up of Crozier, Deeley and Cunningham who were looking to keep a hold of the ball and stretch the Lantern defence.
The Lion were guilty of giving the ball away far too easily in the first half and did not compete well enough aerially. The Lantern,who are a strong and skilful side were determined to make every ball, and some of their tackles were x rated. As seems to be the case when playing in Walsall their were some off the ball incidents that a better placed Ref would of spotted.
The only real attacking threat for the Lion in the first half was a couple of set piece deliverys from Cunningham. Mark Hackett was hurling in his long throws, with the ref punishing Sam Deeley for a shove in the box. Once again Jake Daley was working very hard in the midfield to close players down, the form of this young player has been a rare highlight so far this season. Deeley showed some very nice first touches to try and make things happen on the right wing. Crozier, wearing his new white boots, was not having his best game, however credit must go for his high work rate.
Magic Lantern were gulty of some terrible finishing, and it was fair to say the the Lion were happy to come in for the half time break at 0-0. The Lion were urged to keep better care of the ball at half time, and try to find Crozier and Cunnigham quicker down the flanks.
The second half started with more Lantern attacking, with a smart shot superbly saved in the bottom corner by a full stretch Dan Cushen. This wonder save spurned the Lion on, and in the very next attack a powerful run in behind from Crozier resulted in a Lantern player clipping his terrible white boots, sending Crozier sprawling and the ref bravely blew for a penalty. Up stepped Cunningham, showing great character after his previous miss against St. Matthews. Cunny powerfully blasted the ball into the bottom corner, with the jouneyman striker showing hos love for his new club by kissing the Lion badge, drawing some stick from the Lantern supporters. This goal gave the Lion a great platform to build on. However still it was all Lantern attacking and Lion defending and eventually you just felt a goal for the home side was going to come. Despite more brave blocks from the outstanding Ben Cushen at centre half the Lantern found their equaliser on the hour mark. A powerful strike from the edge of the box flew into the top corner.
This goal really did completely change the game. The Lantern, spurned on by their wonder strike pushed more men forward in search of a winner. A fortunate second goal soon came, with a shot hitting the bar and dropping straight to their striker for a tap in. At this point it is fair to say that too many Lion players temporarily gave up the fight. Lantern were finding time and space, something they were never allowed in the first half by a hard working Lion side, and it was soon game over when goals three and four flew in. Lantern substitute striker Big Ash bagged himself a brace with two close range finishes. Once again the Lion had no fresh legs to replace the players who had worn themselves into the ground.
The game fizzled to an end, with a mis hit Crozier shot and a Deeley free kick the only real chances that the Lion created.
Full Time 4-1
Credit to Magic Lantern who look a real contender for the title this season. I look forward to playing them at home. They will surely be in the running for a few trophys this season. Its time to assess what has been a poor start to the league season for the Lion. It is too easy to blame injured or absent players for the defeats, the sides we have put out have contained enough good players to have achieved more than one point in four games. Certainly need a few wins on board.
MOM= Ben Cushen- A strong display for the centre half. Overworked at times and with a new defensive partner in Hackett,big ben was always a rock at the back.
The Lion will now be training even harder to boost fitness before our run of cup matches. The aim of manager Corrigan is to lift a cup or two this season, so it is vital the the Lion players turn out in force to help get through these early rounds.
